World No. 1 Jannik Sinner stormed into the Italian Open semi-finals with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Casper Ruud at the Foro Italico on Thursday, sending a clear signal to the rest of the field.
Facing a red-hot Ruud — fresh off his title run in Madrid — Sinner needed just 64 minutes to wrap up the win, conceding only seven points in the first set and breaking Ruud’s serve six times throughout the match. The Italian sensation remained flawless in Rome, yet to drop a set in this year’s tournament.
“It felt great out there,” Sinner said. “I served well, returned with confidence, and was moving beautifully on court. Days like this are really special.”
Despite the scoreline, Ruud was gracious in defeat. “That was as close to perfection as I’ve witnessed. Honestly, it didn’t feel like a bad loss — more like being part of a masterclass.”
Sinner will next face Tommy Paul in the semi-final clash later today, with hopes of reaching his first Italian Open final.
Women’s Final Set: Gauff vs Paolini
In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff outlasted Qinwen Zheng in a dramatic three-set thriller: 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4), booking her place in the final.
Awaiting her will be home favorite Jasmine Paolini, who breezed past Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1 to give the Italian fans hope of a title on home soil.
With Sinner and Paolini in the final stages, Italy’s hopes for a double crown remain very much alive at the Foro Italico.
